According to a statement released by Suntech last night, Zhou will both manage business operations, and work alongside CEO, David King and the board of directors "to define the strategic direction of the Company."

Meanwhile, Philip Fan, an independent non-executive director of China Everbright International Ltd, HKC (Holdings), Hysan Development Co., First Pacific Co., Zhuhai Zhongfu Enterprise Co. Ltd and the Goodman Group, has been appointed an independent director to Suntech’s board of directors.

"We are confident that their knowledge and expertise will be invaluable as we navigate near-term challenges and realize Suntech's long-term potential in the solar industry," stated new board chairwoman, Susan Wang.

Insolvent?

On March 14, U.S.-based Maxim Group wrote in an industry note that with $2.1billion in additional debt and "steep cash needs," Suntech is "technically insolvent."